My logic is to fly whatever mode the predominance of the fliers in your area are using. That way you can fly a friends plane, train or someone can intervene in an emergency with no confusion. However, I also believe you should fly whatever mode that makes you most comfortable takes priority over all else.

I do know of a father that had set up a plane for his son with the elevator set up in reverse (all else mode 2) and the boy learned to fly like that. Several guys tried to talk the father out of it, but he was stubborn. I think he did his son a big disservice since he can't just pickup and fly anyone else's plane.